Just got a new unicycle and I was so eager to ride it out of the box. I did it and I had fun, but…all did not go well. Some lessons learned:
Old Uni:
20" torker LS
5"(125 mm) cranks
300mm seat post
“skinny” free style seat
New Uni:
24" Nimbus with 3" wide tires(…actually 25.5" surface wheel diameter)
6"(150mm) cranks
300mm seat post
“fat/comfy” nimbus seat
My riding skill level:
5 month experience, ride 3-5 miles, free mount(normal and rock back), idling 5-10minutes, can do twist turns and tight “edge” turns. I can ride “low” or “high” seated positions.
Lessons Learned:
1.) Be careful going to a different crank size when buying a new unicycle. Stick with the “same size” if you are a beginner, otherwise don’t expect to open the box and just ride.
2.) What happens when going from 125 to 150mm’s? I didn’t really pay attention to the new unicycle spec during ordering, and I thought going longer(more torque) would be cool for climbing.
3.) New crank length Totally Threw off my Timing and Balance. Felt like I was a beginner, again. I would pedal and fall over. Why? Since, balancing is a function of(pedaling tension timed at specific angles during rotation) it makes sense that the longer lever arm(150mm) even though it was just 25mm’s would totally throw off my balance. I had finely tuned my body to synchronized to a 125 mm crank arm, and now with 150 the whole thing was out of wack. Cure? do a few dozen figure 8’s and free mounts to figure it out.
4.) I found that I needed to “wait” and “slow down” my reaction to maintain balance. I think that’s the effect from going from short to long cranks. I can only assume that the opposite is true, also.
5.) Longer crank means longer feet travel, higher knee raise and more “abrasions/scratches” on my leg.
6.) Fat/comfy seat means “less pedal weight” which is normally good, but on a new unicycle with longer cranks you “need” more pedal weight to stay up. Thus, I found myself enjoying what felt “like a couch” but I had to fight to stay on sometimes. With more acclimation I should get better.
7.) Going from 20" to 24" ALSO MEANS going from 300mm seat post to 200mm seat post. I thought it would be the same, but I forgot the bigger wheel size equals the need for a shorter seat. I’m 5’9" with 32" inseam. Using a “pipe cutter” took forever, because the nimbus aluminum seat post is very thick. Had I known, I would have ordered the right size.
8.) Related to “slowing down” to deal with longer cranks, I found that I had to “throw” my weight and “twist” with more force than when I was riding my smaller uni. This is especially important when free mounting. More “force” all around when mounting any method.
9.) One advantage is that the “slower” unicycle response equates to “stay up longer” and more “stability”. It’s just a matter of synchronizing your body to take advantage of that, and not “rush” it. Also, the bigger wheel seems to roll easier and “faster” than my first unicycle.
10.) Just ordered shorter cranks. I want to match the feel between my “old 20” and my “new 24”. Also, the shorter crank will give me more speed, but main reason to match is I want to avoid “transitioning” between the two unicycles. Sure, if i just wanted to develop more skills it would be valid, but I just want to get out there and ride…for now. If someone had told me this before, it would have saved me a lot of grief. Also, $80’s for new cranks. Also, I would have avoided a 6" bloody gash on my calf. Result of slightly missed free mount.
11.) This reminds me of my last point. Take those “damn spikes/studs” out of the nimbus pedals. Use a 6mm socket wrench and take them out. It came with the unicycle. I was in a rush and never thought to remove them. Spikes will come in handy, later, but not right now. Kevlar BMX pants will also be on my wishlist.
Anyways, I thought I’d share these details for posterity. Seems nobody ever mentions stuff like this. Maybe it was just an easy transition for you. Hey it would have been a disaster if I had gone up to a 26" Hatchet(…I just found out 3 units(used) were selling for $500 on amazon, as I am typing this).